Wan & Co Lawyers

12/10/2026

The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that the proposed invitation round originally scheduled for 30 September 2026 did not take place. The round has been rescheduled to 15 October 2026.

Have you checked your EOI recently?

Before the next round, make sure you review:

✔️ Skills assessment validity
✔️ English test results and expiry dates
✔️ Your points score and supporting evidence
✔️ Any changes to your circumstances
✔️ The status of previous invitations or nomination offers

Do not wait until you receive an invitation to check your details. Keeping your EOI accurate and up to date is an important part of preparing for your skilled migration journey.

Read our latest website article for more information. https://wanlawyers.com.au/blog/next-invitation-round-15-october-2026/

The next Subclass 189 invitation round is scheduled for 15 October 2026. Check your EOI, skills assessment etc.

09/10/2026

From 2 October 2026, new rules restrict when international students can apply for another Student visa (subclass 500) onshore.

Key changes include:
📌 Restrictions on applying for another Student visa while in Australia
📚 Limited exceptions for certain students and course progressions
👨‍👩‍👧 Tighter rules on including partners and dependent children
✈️ Changes to offshore application requirements
⏳ Removal of the previous 28-day onshore pathway in most circumstances

These changes may significantly affect your study plans, visa options and family arrangements.

💡 Planning to continue studying in Australia? Check your eligibility before enrolling in a new course or making travel plans.

Read our latest article to understand the changes and the exceptions that may apply to you. https://wanlawyers.com.au/blog/major-student-visa-changes-from-02-october-2026/

📩 Contact Wan & Co Lawyers for tailored immigration advice.

Australia’s student visa changes from 2 October 2026 restrict onshore applications, course progression and family inclusion.

07/10/2026

🚨 Ministerial Direction 123 (MD 123) is coming into effect on 31 October 2026.

MD 123 replaces Ministerial Direction 110 and introduces important changes to how character cases under section 501 are assessed.

Key changes include:
⚖️ Australian ties move from a primary to an other consideration
🏠 Expanded guidance on domestic and family violence
👨‍👩‍👧 Greater focus on the best interests of children
🚨 New guidance on hate-related conduct and associations
📉 A lower future-conduct risk threshold in several provisions
❌ Australian business interests are removed as an identified other consideration

If you are dealing with a section 501 refusal, cancellation or section 501CA revocation, these changes may be highly relevant to your case.

Read our latest article for a detailed breakdown of Ministerial Direction 123 (MD 123). https://wanlawyers.com.au/blog/ministerial-direction-123-md-123-key-changes/

Ministerial Direction 123 (MD 123) replaces MD 110 from 31 October 2026. Learn about the key changes for visa cancellations and refusals.

22/09/2026

⚠️ If you are planning to study in Australia, bring your family, change courses or visit Australia with longer-term migration plans in mind, it is important to understand how these proposed changes may affect you.

22/09/2026

Australia’s migration program is tightening again 🇦🇺

The latest proposed changes could have significant implications for student visa holders, dependent family members and visitor visa holders — including restrictions on bringing dependants on new Student visas and the broader use of the No Further Stay condition on Visitor visas.

⚠️ If you are planning to study in Australia, bring your family, change courses or visit Australia with longer-term migration plans in mind, it is important to understand how these proposed changes may affect you.

Some measures are already in effect, while others will depend on future legislation and transitional arrangements.

Read our latest article for a breakdown of the proposed changes and what they could mean for your Australian migration plans.

https://wanlawyers.com.au/blog/proposed-changes-impact-to-visitors-and-international-students/

The Government has announced proposed changes to the visa and migration program which are intended to reduce net overseas migration.

07/09/2026

New Visa Processing Priorities – Ministerial Directions 117, 119 and 120

On 24 July 2026, the Minister for Home Affairs made three new Ministerial Directions that introduces new new visa processing priorities.

26/08/2026

His Partner Visa was cancelled. We helped him get it back.

Our client was a Subclass 820 Partner visa holder who had lived in Australia since he was 14. His visa was cancelled after four criminal convictions involving domestic violence.

Read the full case study on our website. https://wanlawyers.com.au/blog/partner-visa-cancellation-case-won-at-art-and-visa-cancellation-set-aside/

Partner visa cancelled after criminal convictions? Learn how our client successfully challenged the cancellation at the ART and had his visa reinstated.

18/08/2026

Our firm successfully assisted our client to secure a positive outcome for a complex Child Visa (Subclass 802) despite the Department requesting DNA testing from both parents, with one parent refusing to undergo testing.

This case demonstrates that DNA testing is not necessarily the only way to establish a parent-child relationship. Strong alternative evidence and carefully prepared legal submissions can assist in addressing the Department’s concerns. ⚖️📄

Child visa case study involving disputed parentage, DNA testing, and Departmental concerns regarding surrogacy or IVF.

01/07/2026

Australia has increased most visa application charges by 25% from 1 July 2026, with further CPI indexation expected in future years. Key visa categories, including partner, skilled, employer sponsored, student, and graduate visas, are all affected. Applicants should be aware that the relevant fee is determined at the time of valid lodgement, not preparation.

Read the full article here: https://wanlawyers.com.au/?p=5814

Australia increased most visa application charges by 25% from 1 July 2026. See the latest fees for partner visa, student visa etc.

30/06/2026

The latest 189 invitations Australia update is now available.

The Department issued 10,000 invitations in the most recent Subclass 189 round on 4 June 2026, with varying cut-off points across key occupations including trades, health, education, and professional roles.

The next invitation round is expected on 30 September 2026. Applicants should ensure their EOI, skills assessment and English test results remain valid and up to date.

Read the full update here: https://wanlawyers.com.au/?p=5778

The latest 189 invitations update has confirmed a significant invitation round held on 4 June 2026. This marks the final round for the 2025–26 financial year. The Department of Home Affairs issued approximately 10,000 invitations, exceeding expectations and creating renewed opportunity across a wi...